Q: February is often associated with love. How can yoga help me deepen my relationships with others?

J. T. Smith – Manchester

A: Yoga teaches us to approach relationships with compassion and connection. One of its core principles is Ahimsa (non-violence), which means treating others with kindness in thought, word, and action. A practical way to practice this is through LovingKindness Meditation. A shorter extract of this meditation is to sit quietly, close your eyes, and silently repeat phrases like, “May you be happy, may you be healthy, may you live with ease,” while visualising someone you care about. To open your heart physically, practice chest-opening poses like Camel Pose or Fish Pose, which can help release emotional blockages and encourage vulnerability. Yoga reminds us that cultivating love for others starts with deep, intentional presence.